The side-lining of Northern Ireland only parties during last night’s General Election TV debate, “shows the lack of influence wielded by the DUP and others at Westminster”, according to the Conservatives’ Westminster candidate for Strangford, Johnny Andrews.
“The broadcasters decision not to include the DUP in the debate was wrong and it insulted viewers in Northern Ireland”, Johnny commented. “However it does demonstrate how that party is ignored at Westminster. The DUP goes into every election claiming it will get extra money, but the only party which has delivered for Northern Ireland on a long-term basis is the Conservative Party. People here deserve a meaningful voice at the top level of UK politics.”
“We’ve ensured that 48,000 more people here are in work, than in 2010. The Stormont House Agreement, brokered by Theresa Villiers, looks to tackle problems with the economy and rebalance toward more sustainable private sector jobs. Meanwhile the Executive at Stormont is paralysed and riven with infighting. The DUP’s begging bowl politics have failed people in Northern Ireland, who expect a longer term view. That is something they will only get with the Conservative Party, with its national outlook and it commitment to give voters a say in who forms the next government.”